Denmark for the UN Human Rights Council

Denmark has presented its candidature for a seat at the United Nations Human Rights Council in 2019-2021. As a member of the Human Rights Council, we will work for dignity and human rights through dialogue and development. We will work to make a difference for the Council – and for the people around the world whose human rights are threatened.

The 3 Ds - Dignity, Dialogue and Development – are based on Denmark’s positions and key priorities on human rights.

It emphasises our respect for and promotion of human rights at home and abroad, our long-standing engagement in the UN as well as our renowned development cooperation.

Dignity

The inherent dignity and the equal and inalienable rights of all are at the heart of the Danish approach to human rights. A life in dignity is a life free from torture and ill treatment, a life free from all kinds of discrimination, a life with freedom of opinion, expression and religion and with equal treatment and participation for all. The individual right to make one’s own, free choices in life is a central element herein.

Dialogue

With the point of departure in our renowned role as a facilitator of constructive dialogue, Denmark will focus on building bridges and seeking compromise within the Council. Common positions on promotion of human rights are only reached by listening to one another and understanding one another. On contentious and sensitive issues, Denmark seeks to promote mutual understanding among Council members and stakeholders with a view to improving cooperation in and around the Council.

Development

Denmark’s contributions to the promotion of human rights in the Council will be based on our strong profile in relation to bilateral and multilateral development partnerships and our longstanding record of important contributions to the promotion of human rights, good governance and the rule of law. The overarching focus is to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals. Our work is guided by the principles of non-discrimination, participation and inclusion, transparency and accountability.

Denmark is committed to supporting the OHCHR and the Council’s role in providing human rights capacity-building and technical assistance to countries. Denmark will work for an improved and streamlined UN human rights system. We will explore new, effective and innovative ways of working in the Council and of mainstreaming human rights across the UN.